The Newbury Center opened its doors in January 2021 with the goal of fostering the holistic success of first-generation students at Boston University—students we refer to as “Terrier F1RSTS.” We aim to become a highly visible, transformative unit of the University, offering programming and services designed to ensure that first-generation students experience the same sense of well-being, belonging, self-efficacy, and academic accomplishment as their continuing-generation peers. The center is primarily funded by an endowment established with funds received from Newbury College, a private liberal arts college that served many first-generation students in nearby Brookline before closing its doors in 2019.
Specific initiatives include:
Part of fostering the first-generation student is providing them resources to help them succeed.
by Maha Uddin Unlike the harsh winter cold outside, the Newbury Center was warm and welcoming, especially on its birthday. Last Thursday, on February 5, 2026, the Newbury Center celebrated its 5th birthday alongside students and staff. There were cupcakes to celebrate, warm wishes to write onto the community art project, and games to […]
What is a first-generation undergrad student? A student in the first generation of their family to go to college (i.e., a student whose parents/guardians/caregivers did not earn bachelor’s degrees, although elder siblings and cousins may be attending college already or have earned four-year degrees). What is a first-generation graduate/professional student? A student whose parents/guardians/caregivers did […]
By Maha Uddin Just a few weeks before finals, the Newbury Center headed over to the Citizens Opera House located just a few minutes from the Boylston T stop. With almost 40 students joining, it was one of the center's largest trips for the year! As is tradition for the past 5 years, we watched […]
We are excited to highlight three of our military-affiliated Terrier F1RSTS on Veterans Day! We thank ALL of our military-affiliated students, whether they are veterans, active duty, ROTC, in the Reserves, or family members! Name: Tony Cameron Home State: North Carolina Undergrad Institution: University of Massachusetts Lowell Current Degree Program: Master of Social Work, Online Program […]
Boston University's Spring Induction Ceremony for the Gamma Iota Chapter of the Alpha Alpha Alpha National Honor Society took place on November 4, 2025. We welcome these inductees to the Boston University Chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha Honor Society: Undergraduate Student Inductees Undergraduate Student Inductees Graduate & Professional Student Inductees Graduate & Professional Student Inductees Faculty, Staff, […]
Join the Newbury Center and the entire BU community as we celebrate the achievements and experiences of our first-generation undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. While the official date for the National First-Generation College Celebration is November 8th, we're celebrating for a whole week. The Newbury Center and the entire BU community events: Monday, November 3rd: […]
Let’s give a round of applause to Stephanie Campos, a first-gen BU alum and East Boston resident, on her appointment to Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s SPARK Boston Council, where she’ll connect young adults to civic engagement and community impact. Learn more about Stephanie's story in BU Today's latest article. Read Stephanie's Story Here
Brianna Perales turned her passion for problem-solving into hands-on research through BU’s REM-Includes program, gaining lab skills and confidence as a first-gen engineering student. The program continues to open doors for first-gen and low-income students, giving them early access to groundbreaking STEM opportunities. Learn more about how BU students are bridging the opportunity gap in […]